Attractions in Queen Elizabeth National Park
From the crystal waters of the Kazinga Channel to the rugged wilderness of the Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park has stunning natural beauty. With wildlife ranging from…
Perched on the wide branch of a fig tree, the lion adopts a regal pose. Your hands quiver as a spine-tingling roar rings out across the plains. Your camera clicks to capture the image of a king on his throne, watching over his land.
Lioness resting in the branches at QENP.
The Ishasha sector is the hidden gem of Queen Elizabeth National Park.
Tree climbing is a behavioural adaptation, rather than a product of evolution.
Trees are a useful vantage point when lions are hunting.
Ugandan Kob and Bushbuck roam the savannah plains at QENP.
Around 20-35 lions live in the Ishasha sector.
Located in the southern part of Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Ishasha sector is famous for its tree-climbing lions.
Alongside Southern Tanzania, the Ishasha sector is one of only two places in Africa where you can see tree-climbing lions.
After mountain gorillas, lions are the second most sought after species in Uganda. In 2006, the Wildlife Conservation Service estimated that each lion in Queens generated around $13,500 per year for Uganda’s economy through revenue from tourism.
Research suggests that tree climbing is a behavioural adaptation, rather than a product of evolution.
Scientists hypothesise that the lions have adopted this unusual behaviour to escape the irritation caused by bites from tsetse flies.
Other theories suggest that the lions climb trees to avoid the heat of the lower ground. Tree branches offer shade from the midday sun, allowing lions to enjoy an afternoon nap in comfort.
Being perched on a tree branch also serves as a useful vantage point when the lions are hunting.
In 2005, the Wildlife Conservation Service launched a lion monitoring project in the Ishasha sector of Queen Elizabeth National Park. The project found that 20 to 35 lions livewithin the Ishasha sector.
The study revealed that male lions travel freely between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo when leaving their pride. Male lions are excluded from the pride at the age of 3-4 years by the dominant male.
The project also found cases of lions travelling from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to lead a pride in Uganda.
The project found that the Maramagambo Forest is a crucial migratory route for lions that travel from the central sector of Queens to the Ishasha Sector.
Although tree climbing lions are the main attraction in the Ishasha sector, it is also home to other majestic mammals, including Ugandan kobs, buffaloes, elephants, and zebras.
The Ishasha sector is an excellent location for game drives as it is a quieter section of the park. You can enjoy the sights and sounds of the wilderness without the distant drone of other safari engines.
Your sweeping view of the plains will not be spoiled by the ant-crawl of vehicles. The absence of traffic means that you can spend more time with the lions.
However, the roads are less well maintained than the park's busier sections, so a good 4x4 vehicle and a knowledgeable guide is required (if booking with us, this will be arranged for you).
The lion population in the Ishasha sector has declined over the last decade. The Wildlife Conservation Service estimates that the number of lions has fallen from 6 lions per 100km² to 4 lions per 100km² in the last 10 years.
Human behaviour is a major threat to lions in Ishasha. Conflict between lions and local herdsmen is common. Herdsmen often leave their cattle unattended at night, and lions have been known to attack their livestock.
Some herdsmen retaliate by poisoning the carcases of their livestock and in 2018, 11 lion carcases were found in Ishasha. Insecticide poison was found in their bodies.
The Wildlife Conservation Service is working tirelessly to mitigate the human-lion conflict. The WCS has cleared land outside the park, allowing herdsmen to relocate to fertile grazing lands outside the territory of the lions.
From the crystal waters of the Kazinga Channel to the rugged wilderness of the Ishasha sector, Queen Elizabeth National Park has stunning natural beauty. With wildlife ranging from…
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The tours below showcase just some of what is possible. Use these itineraries as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch, and let our expert team help craft the perfect itinerary for you.
Combine chimp trekking in Kibale Forest with mountain gorilla treks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. A well-paced highlights tour unlocking some of Uganda's most impressive experiences. Consider breaking up the journey from Kibale to Bwindi with a classic safari at…
If you had the chance to trek through lush forests; to stand metres away from a family of Mountain Gorillas - deep in the heart of Central Africa - would you take it? This 4-day adventure works great as a…
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Combine gorilla trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park with beautiful lakeside retreats at Lake Mutanda. Tough treks and primate encounters paired with idyllic, calming lakes and oases make for an unforgettable experience in this remote pocket of Uganda.…
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Board a Cessna light aircraft and head into the southwestern pocket of Uganda. Trek through the forests of Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in search of the mountain gorillas. Retreat to luxury lodges for sundowners and delicious food. Hard days, soft…
Beautiful landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a undercurrent of the wild vastness of central Africa that lies just beyond the borders, the north of Uganda beckons adventurers who dream of exploring the frontiers. It's proper adventuring, but luxury lodges mean you…
Spend 4 hours in the company of a gorilla family by joining the habituation trek. Combined with a luxury safari at Queen Elizabeth National Park, this trip offers truly once-in-a-lifetime wildlife…
Discover the exceptional bio-diversity of Uganda by combining the beautiful savannah grasslands of Murchison Falls National Park with chimpanzee trekking in the forests of Kibale National Park. Connect the dots with epic road trips looping through northwestern Uganda.…
Combine safaris in Murchison Falls National Park and Queen Elizabeth National Park with a 4 day gorilla trek in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest. Top and tail with overnights in the bustling capital of Kampala.…
Trek the Rwenzori Mountains where forests morph into ice-clad mountain peaks, cut through jungle thickets to hang out with mountain gorillas, and finish your trip relaxing lakeside amongst the staggering beauty of Lake Mutanda. This is Uganda.…
The quintessence of Ugandan exploration. Start your adventure in the wild Kidepo Valley in the northern tip of Uganda before weaving down to meet the gorillas in southwestern jungles. Epic landscapes, incredible safaris, and luxury lodges; this is a proper…
Open top road trips looping through Uganda's epic southwestern pocket; this is the safari adventure of your imagination. Track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, go in search of gorillas in Bwindi, cruise the savannah plains of Queens, and look out for…
The full western circuit complete with luxury lodges, gorilla and chimpanzee trekking, and the best safaris Uganda has to offer. Close out your adventure with kayaking and canoeing on the rapids of the river Nile.…
Two visits to the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, moving through the forest along the most awesome trekking routes, and staying the night at the best lodges and exclusive camps in the park. This is Uganda gorilla trekking at…
Travel to the farthest corners of Uganda where towering volcanoes mark the border between the thick jungles of Mgahinga Gorilla National Park and the untamed vastness of central Africa. After trekking the gorillas in Mgahinga, head inland for a couple…
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